Adaptive Crate Opening Apparatus for Variable Dimensions
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for opening horticultural product crates are limited in their ability to handle crates of different sizes and heights, requiring multiple machines for various dimensions, which is economically and space-wise inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A single apparatus capable of automatically opening and stacking crates of varying dimensions, including height, using adjustable devices and actuators that can be controlled to accommodate different crate sizes through command and control means, ensuring efficient, safe, and economic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single apparatus is designed to handle crates of different sizes and heights, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for adjustable mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs dynamically adjustable components including telescopic arms with variable reach, movable support rollers that can reposition horizontally and vertically, and adjustable blocking devices that adapt to different crate heights. These dynamic elements allow the same apparatus to accommodate various crate dimensions without requiring multiple fixed-configured machines
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single system: the same telescopic arms and support rollers used for lifting and positioning closed crates are also used for transferring and stacking opened crates. The blocking devices serve dual purposes by both stabilizing crates during opening and enabling stack formation, reducing the need for separate specialized mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate apparatuses are used for different crate dimensions, then manufacturing precision for each specific crate type is improved, but loss of substance increases due to wasted space and resources
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus maintains manufacturing precision for different crate types by dynamically adjusting operational parameters rather than physical dimensions. The control system modifies actuator positions, arm extension lengths, roller spacing, and blocking device heights based on detected crate dimensions, allowing precise handling of various crate sizes with a single apparatus configuration
3Ease of operation
If adjustable devices and actuators are added to accommodate different crate sizes, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs self-adjustment through automated detection and control systems. Sensors detect crate dimensions and automatically program the telescopic arms, support rollers, and blocking devices to the appropriate positions. The control system coordinates all adjustable components without requiring manual intervention, making operation as simple as placing the crate on the conveyor while managing the complexity of multiple actuators through automation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3A
Figure 4~4A
AI summary
Apparatus for opening in an automatic mode and in a continuous sequence the closed side walls of a plurality of crates, preferably for horticultural products, and preferably lying vertically one on another so as to form a relative first stack, suitable for carrying out the operations for carrying a first stack to a first arrival and loading station, lifting vertically said two pairs of opposite walls, transferring said open crates to a second stack, and subsequently carrying said stack outside the apparatus; the apparatus includes command and control means suitable to store the parameters that correspond to a plurality of types of crates having different dimensions, enter into said command and control means a coded instruction representative of a particular type of crate, and automatically make it so that said command and control means process and transmit to the controls, structures, operating bodies, devices, actuators present in the apparatus appropriate signals that are suitable to determine therein the correct operation corresponding to the type of selected crate.